Lockdown in Tripura extended till 5 am of Aug 4
In view of the rise in COVID19 cases, the State Government has decided to extend the ‘Total Lockdown’ till 5 am of August 4 next.
Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has announced this while addressing the people of state in a video message this evening.
Addressing the people, he said, “The three-day lockdown which is already in force will continue till 5 am of August 4 next.”
“The relaxations and exemptions will be in force-- all essential services will remain operational, MGNREGA works and functions of industrial units will continue by maintaining social distancing. Besides, 30 percent shops will remain open,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister said 12000 healthcare and ASHA workers in multiple teams are conducting door-to-door survey and conducting Antigen Tests across the state.
“As per latest data, total 3,88,782 houses have been surveyed on the first two days of week-long drive. As many as 9855 persons have been identified and 5687 samples have been collected. Among them, 196 persons have been found COVID19 positive so far,” he said while thanking the people for their spontaneous response during the lockdown.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has appreciated the efforts of all front-line warriors including police personnel and administration for their dedicated service to the people during this COVID19 pandemic. The efforts of Ambulance drivers in the present situation got special mention in the Chief Minister’s address.
“The teams of Health/ Asha workers, police personnel and administration are functioning round the clock by risking their lives to save lives of others. Even, the DM, SP and some other staff of Sepahijala district administration have been found COVID19 positive. The DM and SP don’t have any travel history-- they have been infected while performing their duties,” the Chief Minister said.
He said, it’s important to maintain social distancing, wear masks and follow the government guidelines during this lockdown period to break the COVID19 transmission chain. He said the aged persons, children and pregnant women need special attention and care.
The Chief Minister has appealed all to cooperate with the teams for conducting the antigen tests. “if anybody doesn’t cooperate in case of door-to-door antigen tests, he or she will not get this opportunity of free test in house after seven days. After that, they have to go to hospital or undergo tests in private hospital by paying costs.”
While addressing the people, he said, 21 COVID19 patients have died in the state so far. But, most of them had been suffering from other serious ailments. He also condoled the deaths and extended sympathy to the bereaved families.
In another important note, the Chief Minister said, “following the COVID19 pandemic, we couldn’t celebrate multiple festivals like Poila Boishakh, Rath Yatra, Kharchi, Ker Puja and Eid the way we celebrated them previous years. This year, we took part in such events in symbolic way only. We have to follow the same way in the coming Eid festival.”
He made an appeal to the people belong to Muslim community to celebrate the Eid by maintaining social distancing and other government guidelines properly.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said a section of people was spreading rumour in some places and urged the people to cooperate the teams instead of spreading rumours.